5 Tips for Safe Subletting

You are ready to move to a New York sublet apartment. Your bags are packed, you’ve booked a flight, and you can’t wait to spend the next few months exploring New York and all it has to offer.

Subletting is a fantastic option for individuals who wish to come to New York for a short period of time, but don’t want to commit to an apartment or sign a lease. Perhaps you have just finished college and you are yet sure where you want to live or work, or maybe you just want to spend your summer enjoying the sights, sounds, and attractions available in this beautiful city. Whatever the reason, you need to make sure you rent your New York sublet safely.

Safely Renting a New York Sublet Apartment

Speak to the Landlord

Before you even consider signing a subletting contract, speak to the landlord. Find out if the landlord knows the New York sublet apartment is being sublet and has given written permission to the tenant to do so. Don’t take the renter’s word for it, even if the tenant is a friend. Contact the landlord yourself so you can ensure the process is legal and approved.

Get it in Writing

Your next steps should always be to obtain a sublet agreement. This can protect you if the landlord suddenly decides to change his or her mind about your living arrangement. Make sure everything is included in the contract. For instance, if the renter is reducing the rent you must pay because you are also going to be taking care of his dog, make sure the agreement states this and includes information on what you should do if the dog runs away or becomes sick while you are renting the sublet.

The agreement will also need to include other information, such as whether the utilities will be paid under your name while you are living in the New York sublet and what will happen if the renter or you decides to extend the agreement and rent the sublet for a longer period of time.

Discuss Items Used

Discuss what items you are allowed to use while you are renting the sublet. Can you use the renter’s video game console? Can you listen to his CDs? Can you read his books? If you don’t discuss it now, and use the items, you could be asked later to provide compensation for lost or damaged items.

Speak to the Roommates

If you will be living in a New York sublet apartment with the renter’s roommates, make sure you speak to them before you sign a subletting agreement. If they aren’t excited or happy with you moving in, your short stay in New York may not be as fun as you had hoped.

Do a Walkthrough

As with renting any apartment, it is important to do a walkthrough of your New York sublet apartment before you move in. This allows you to determine if there is any previous damage and document and discuss that damage so you can prove the damage was there before you moved in. Bring along a note pad, pen, and digital camera to document the evidence so you won’t be charged for it later.

If you are thinking of spending your summer in a New York sublet apartment, make sure you do it safely. Follow these helpful tips for a great say in the city with no commitment.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment

Name *

Email *

Website

Our Mission:

“The purpose of Lara Group is to provide people a beautiful temporary home in New York City in the fastest and smoothest way possible. The services provided are in recognition of an equal exchange of value honoring our clients’ needs. All services with Lara Group are based on the understanding that a Unity model provides the best level of services.“